The subtropical mystical city of Corrientes, capital of Corrientes province, is situated on the banks of the Rio Parana. It is one of Argentina’s most attractive old cities with lovely shady plazas and quiet streets. At its heart is Plaza 25 de Mayo which is surrounded by beautiful old buildings such as the pink Italianate Casa de Gobierno, the Museo de Artesania with its displays of indigenous handicrafts, and the Museo Historico. Corrientes was founded in 1588 and became an important port, particularly for transporting goods between Asuncion and Buenos Aires. At the same time, the local indigenous people, the Guarani, were assimilated into nearby Jesuit missions.

Alongside the river is the Avenida Costanera, a wonderful place for a stroll under the welcome shade of the lapacho and palo borracho trees. It is particularly hot and muggy during the summer which is why the siesta is still very much a part of everyday life here. In December the Festival de Chamame celebrates traditional folk music and throughout January and February it’s carnival time in Corrientes, which also provided the setting for Graham Greene’s novel The Honorary Consul.